How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Home dental care can help prevent dental disease, which is so common in dogs. Always aim for daily dental care. The more you brush the better. Slowly introduce your dog to brushing over several days or a week. Use toothpaste and a toothbrush designed for pets (see dog dental supplies). Keep the sessions upbeat and give lots of praise.

Steps for Brushing a Dog’s Teeth

1. Dip your finger in beef bouillon or broth. Let your dog lick your finger and then rub your soaked finger gently over your dog’s gums and teeth. After a few sessions, your puppy should look forward to this.
2. For the next sessions, gently rub the teeth in a circular motion with gauze dipped in broth.
3. When your pet is comfortable with the gauze, start with a toothbrush, dental sponge, or pad. Let your dog lick something tasty off of it so she gets used to the texture.
4. Now get your dog used to the toothpaste. Let your dog lick some off your finger and brush. Then apply it to your pet’s gumline with your finger.
5. Now you are ready to start brushing. At first, you may just want to brush one or both upper canine teeth (the large ones in the front of the mouth), which are the easiest to reach. Over a few sessions slowly increase the number of teeth you are brushing.

Watch this helpful “How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth” video demonstration:

Tagged as: Dog Teeth, Dog Teeth Cleaning, teeth cleaning

About the author: Dr. Holly Nash received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, and a Master's Degree in epidemiology (the study of the transmission, distribution, and control of disease) from the University of Wisconsin. She has worked in a primarily dairy practice, as a veterinary epidemiologist, and as a companion animal veterinarian. Dr. Nash has been with Drs. Foster and Smith since 1998. She has always been interested in the human-animal bond and the education of animal owners, and finds being Editor of PetEducation.com a perfect match. She enjoys and has had experience working with many species of animals, and is a member of the American and Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Associations. See more articles by Dr. Holly Nash.